Two soldiers in Papua New Guinea have been charged with wilful murder over the assault and eventual death of a senior police officer on Saturday in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea police. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
The newspaper The National reports Assistant Police Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jnr, the police commander for the National Capital District, saying the two soldiers were detained at Bomana Prison.
The late Senior Inspector Andrew Tovere, the Zone Three police commander in Port Moresby, was allegedly assaulted by off-duty soldiers and later died in hospital.
A third soldier is awaiting further interrogation over the incident.
Mr Wagambie has addressed soldiers at the Murray Barracks, before the three soldiers were brought to the Boroko police station by the military police.
He assured the military hierarchy at the barracks that the security of the three soldiers was guaranteed.
Describing a confrontation between police and defence force personnel following the death at the weekend as "unfortunate", Mr Wagambie also assured residents of Port Moresby that normal police operations were continuing.